Turning 30 last year was a relief. Seriously… For me, it felt like a graduation from my extended period of adolescence that was my 20’s, into the era I was so ready for. As I approach my next birthday, I thought I’d put pen to paper (well, finger to keyboard) and jot down some things I love about my new age bracket.

1. I wear what I want.
I still like to take care of myself and ‘present well’ but I feel less pressure to look perfect all the time and I’m more comfortable in my own skin. Make-up free days are more common and I love my birkenstocks. 

2. Weight gain.
Your body changes as you get older. True story. Obviously I’m not a massive fan of this one, but it’s a reality for me. I’m not in the best shape right now but my husband and I have recently made a pledge to re-prioritise health & fitness, despite my inability to play netball (my fave form of exercise) until my knee is stronger. Fingers crossed we stick to it.

3. General growth in my self-esteem.
I don’t want sound rude, but these days I care a lot less about what other people think of me. Which means others opinions don’t effect how I feel about myself. I know who I am, and I know what I’m worth.

4. Different time priorities.
I’m a believer that your 20’s are all about going crazy with your commitments, testing your limits & capacity, packing out your diary, trying loads of things. Nowadays it’s no longer about being crazy busy ALL the time. Sure, I have seasons where the diary gets a lil out of control, but I have stopped priding myself on how busy I am.

5. The little things are enough.
Married life. Family. Jess-time. Cooking a good meal. Going for walks. Saturdays at home. The simpler life is where it’s at for me now.

6. My goals have changed.
Similar to #4, I no longer want to be everything to everyone, but instead want to be the best me for the right people. Working part time is more important to me than speaking publicly in front of hundreds of people because it’s less stressful and makes me a better Jess/Wife/Sister/Daughter/Friend. #DoLessBeMore

7. No more apologies. I am who I am.
I’m assertive & outspoken. I dream big. I work hard. I devote myself to the people and projects I allow in my world. I’m a fierce introvert with a small & protective inner circle. I’m not perfect. It took my 20s to truly discover all that, but I’m comfortable in myself now and I won’t apologise for it anymore.

8. Better at resting. (This one is my fave!)
I learnt this one the hard way, but now I know what I need to rest & recover from everything life brings and like #7 I make no apologies for this. If I’m going to commit to night shift work (which I currently do) I know I need a clear schedule the next day to recover. If I’m involved in a week-long camp I’ll factor in a few rest days after.

9. I take myself (and others) less seriously.
We are all just people with stories. People that laugh, cry, sleep, eat, fart, get sick, fall over, say the right things, say the wrong things… bla bla bla. You get the picture. Regardless of your role, title or expertise we’re all just a bunch of imperfect people who probably laugh at poo jokes. I prefer to see the world this way.

So, what do you think? Have you recently moved into a new age bracket or phase of life? If you and I were sitting across a coffee table right now, I would wanna chat about what you’re learning. Feel free to comment or share your thoughts below 🙂